Rural/Farming / Public News Service

According to the Florida Department of Agriculture, Florida ranks 15th among states in the number of farms, and 29th for the amount of land farmed in the state. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, November 27, 2024

Farmers, aquaculturists unite to protect Florida's land, water

For decades, Florida's upstream farmers and downstream aquaculturists have been at odds over water quality and environmental impacts. Now, the new …

A monarch butterfly can travel between 50 to 100 miles a day during its migration. (Derek Ramsey/Wikimedia Commons)

Wednesday, November 27, 2024

Are monarchs 'threatened enough?' Government soon decides

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is expected to decide soon whether to list the monarch butterfly as "threatened" under the Endangered Species Act…

Every 24 hours, between 3 and 6 billion animals are killed for food. That comes to a lower-end estimate of 1.2 trillion animals killed every year, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Wednesday, November 27, 2024

Few animal welfare laws lead to misery in factory farms

Advocates said a lack of animal welfare laws is leading to pain and suffering on American factory farms. Close to 99% of livestock is now raised in …

The Northern Illinois Food Bank reports that in 13 counties, 100,000 children are food insecure. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, November 26, 2024

IL food banks to receive USDA funding to address low food inventory

People will gather over the Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends to count their blessings. While the holiday feast is plentiful for many…

Milk is the only food that makes up an entire food group. (magdal3na/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Activist: Dairy may not be best way to get your calcium

By Seth Millstein for Sentient.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Texas News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboration Wh…

The USDA is investing more than $3 billion in about 140 pilot projects for

Tuesday, November 26, 2024

USDA's 'Climate-Smart' efforts raise questions on transparency, impact

By Seth Millstein for Sentient.Broadcast version by Shanteya Hudson for Alabama News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaborat…

Food insecure research site Feeding America reports nearly 951,000 or 1 in 7 Hoosiers face hunger.(Adobe Stock)

Monday, November 25, 2024

USDA grant helps stock IN food pantries

People will gather over the Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends to count their blessings. While the holiday feast is plentiful for many…

Since the 1940s, about 50% of zoonotic diseases have been traced to agriculture, according to research in the journal BioScience. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, November 25, 2024

Research: Probiotics on farms could fight antibiotic resistance

By Dawn Attride for Sentient.Broadcast version by Alex Gonzalez for Arizona News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaborati…

The ACLU of Arkansas says immigrant workers are an integral part of the Arkansas economy. (F Armstrong Photo/Adobe Stock)

Monday, November 25, 2024

ACLU: Mass deportations would be setback for AR economy

The American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas predicts if President-elect Donald Trump follows through with his campaign promise of mass deportations…

After a slight increase in 2022, the number of 2023-2024 western monarchs

Monday, November 25, 2024

Montanans can help keep monarch butterflies off the endangered list

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will decide by early December whether to list the monarch butterfly under the Endangered Species Act. Wildlife …

Food systems are responsible for one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions, with meat production, particularly beef, being a significant driver. (CanYalicn/Adobe Stock)

From Ohio to Azerbaijan: How COP29 could shape local farming

By Dawn Attride for Sentient.Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi for Ohio News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboration …

Since the Massachusetts Healthy Incentives Program began in 2017, SNAP households have purchased more than $63 million from local farmers in healthy, local foods. (Adobe Stock)

MA farmers, families brace for cuts to fresh produce benefits

Massachusetts farmers said they are bracing for revenue losses due to cuts in fresh produce SNAP benefits. Starting Dec. 1, families who utilize the …

Consumer advocates say higher grocery prices are no longer the result of supply-chain issues, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. (Adobe Stock)

Group blames corporate greed for MT food price gouging

Farm advocates say price gouging on meat and poultry are taking a toll on Montanans. A farm group cites U.S. Department of Agriculture data as …

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends states monitor biosolids, which can end up being used as farm fertilizer, for PFAS contamination and identify industrial discharges of PFAS. (Adobe Stock) <br />

KY farmers should think twice about using ‘biosludge’ as fertilizer

Kentucky farmers are using biosolids or "biosludge" from city sewage as cheap fertilizer but the price tag is high in terms of health, from toxic …

In 17% of Colorado households with children, the children are not eating enough because the family did not earn enough to purchase enough food, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. (Adobe Stock)

Hunger Free Colorado celebrates 15th birthday

Colorado's leading advocate for people experiencing hunger turns 15 this year and a new report outlined key advances and persistent challenges facing …

Certain farm fertilizers significantly contribute to climate change by emitting nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas, when excess fertilizer is not absorbed by plants and is broken down by soil microbes. (Adobe Stock)

Putting farm fields under a green blanket with climate friendly fertilizer

Some sectors have made gains in Minnesota in reducing greenhouse-gas emissions. Progress has been slower for agriculture, but those pursuing …

Wisconsin will receive $78 million over five years from the federal government to expand electric vehicle improvements. It plans to have all new charging stations up and running by 2025. (Adobe Stock)

WI makes innovative strides, but lags in EV adoption

Electric vehicles have seen a nationwide uptick, yet Wisconsin lags behind - with EVs making up only about 1% of all cars on the road. …

The Buffalo River Watershed Alliance was created to help preserve and protect the scenic beauty and pristine water quality of the Buffalo National River by opposing and preventing the construction and operation of industrial concentrated animal feeding operations within the Buffalo River watershed. (ODell Outside/Adobe Stock)

AR nonprofit works to protect Buffalo National River from contamination

Members of the Buffalo River Watershed Alliance are supporting two moratoriums on concentrated animal feeding operations to be voted on today by the A…

A growing number of Iowa farmers are shunning the use of gestation crates where sows are held until they give birth. (Adobe Stock)

More Iowa farmers support gestation crate ban

By Nina Elkadi for Sentient.Broadcast version by Mark Moran for Iowa News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboration When B…

According to the South Dakota Secretary of State, South Dakota's Referred Law 21 was ousted by voters 59% to 41%. (Brent Coulter)<br />

Eminent domain reform could follow ousted SD pipeline law

In last week's election, South Dakota voters defeated the carbon pipeline law by a wide margin, but pipeline companies could still gain ground in …

Economists suggest for a more budget-friendly holiday feast, consider hosting a potluck. Sharing dishes not only brings variety to the table but helps spread the costs among guests. (Adobe Stock)

What Coloradans can expect on holiday groceries, and tips for saving money

With Thanksgiving now two weeks away, will Coloradans face sticker shock at the grocery store while planning their holiday meals? There is a mix of …

According to a United Nations 2015 report, food system emissions were responsible for 18 billion tons of carbon dioxide, making up 34% of global emissions. (Pattadis/Adobe Stock)

Shareholders step up to shape climate goals in corporate world

By Grace Hussain for Sentient.Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi for Commonwealth News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collabor…

A new U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service cattle grazing rule is being challenged by environmental advocates who claim it would increase dangerous interactions between cattle and grizzlies. (Adobe Stock)

Environmental groups buck grazing expansion in MT's Custer Gallatin

A federal court in Montana has held a hearing more than two years after a coalition of environmental advocates sued the U.S. Forest Service and the …

Virtual power plants, a microgrid connecting renewable energy with smart appliances, costs ratepayers 40% to 60% less than building and maintaining conventional coal or gas-powered plants. (Adobe Stock)

Creating virtual power plants for resiliency during extreme weather, wildfires

An electric cooperative supplying power to Western Colorado is pioneering energy independence for homes, businesses and farms. They are creating a …

Goats on the Go clear brush and other unwanted vegetation, including poison ivy, often to restore native grasses to Iowa farm and grass lands. (Matt Vermeersch)

Hungry goats help restore native Iowa habitat

Some Iowa farmers are putting a new spin on an age-old animal behavior. They're using goats to remove weeds, overgrown brush, and non-native …

An Emmy award-winning television spot features regenerative ranching practices in grasslands on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation. (Ron Nichols)

SD PSA on grasslands wins regional Emmy award

Native grasslands are the most threatened ecosystem in North America. A South Dakota advocacy group hopes its educational campaign will reach a …

As a part of new Farm Service Agency loan improvements, an online direct loan repayment feature will be available to help relieve borrowers from having to call, mail or visit a local USDA Service Center to pay a loan installment. (Dusan Kostic/Adobe Stock)

As FSA loan changes aim to support farmers, advocates say more needed

New federal loan adjustments aim to ease financial burdens for farmers but advocates said lasting change requires legislative action. The U.S…

The latest Census of Agriculture renewed concerns about the growing size of farms around the United States, prompting more calls for farmers to embrace climate-smart practices. (Adobe Stock)

Successful ballot question in MN seen as way for more climate-friendly farming

Minnesota voters this week signed off on giving a longer shelf life to a funding tool helping protect the state's natural resources and its backers se…

Four companies control 85% of the beef processed in the United States, according to data just released by the advocacy group Farm Action. Consolidation continues to grow in the agriculture industry. (Adobe Stock)

Montana's agriculture industry becomes more consolidated

Advocates for a fair, sustainable and healthy food system have released a report showing increasing consolidation in Montana's agriculture sector…

Animal-rights advocates are testing whether asking for people's votes can be more effective than asking people to change their diet. (Galatas) Animal rights advocates are testing whether asking for people�s votes can be more effective than asking people to change their diet. (Galatas)

Denver could become first city to ban slaughterhouses

By Grace Hussain for Sentient.Broadcast version by Eric Galatas for Colorado News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaborat…

The pesticide Dacthal is often used on vegetable farms for crops like cabbage and onions. (Adobe Stock)

EPA bans weedkiller Dacthal, used on WV farms

The Environmental Protection Agency has banned the pesticide dacthal, frequently used on farms in West Virginia and other states. Mounting evidence …

Analysts say while the U.S. economy is on solid ground, the farming sector is in a downturn. There are concerns that if a second Trump administration were to come into play, policies tied to the campaign would bring even more hardships to producers. (Adobe Stock)

What would Project 2025 mean for WI farmers?

The conservative blueprint Project 2025 has received attention for issues like civil rights. But advocates say it also includes potential funding …

The proposed Net-Zero 1 corn-starch-to-jet-fuel plant in Lake Preston, S.D., would stem the release of over 600,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. (Adobe Stock)

Ethanol companies back SD pipeline ballot question with big bucks

A proposed corn-starch-to-jet-fuel plant in South Dakota is on track to get big federal funding, but its feasibility could hinge on election results…

The Wisconsin State Division of Hearings and Appeals has the power to modify permits issued by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources or require the agency to include stronger terms and conditions. (Adobe Stock)

Kewaunee County residents take legal action against dairy CAFO

Some northeast Wisconsin residents are challenging a wastewater permit issued by the state to a large dairy operation. The Wisconsin Department of …

Community leaders in a recent Progress Michigan webinar said if the GOP's Project 2025 is implemented, it could have a devastating effect on Michigan farms, rural schools and the state's Indigenous tribes. (Adobe Stock)

Leaders fear GOP 2025 plans would harm people in rural Michigan

Groups from across Michigan are sounding the alarm on the effect Republican-backed policies would have on people in rural parts of the state…

The gray bat, one of Tennessee's two endangered bat species, is the state's largest mouse-eared bat. Its gray coat sets it apart from other Myotis bats, and it's mainly found in eastern and middle Tennessee. (creativenature.nl/Adobe Stock)

Debunking the horror: Tennessee bats essential to ecosystem, economy

From vampires to Dracula to the Halloween thriller Bats, stories often paint bats as scary animals. A spooky Halloween-themed campaign Real Scary …

The practice of intentionally burning excess vegetation has faced opposition from the public. (gilitukha/Adobe Stock)

Ancient technique used to fight west TX wildfires

By Keaton Peters for Inside Climate News.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Texas News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public …

Some Wisconsin farmers were using their own money to feed tens of thousands of chickens after processor Pure Prairie alerted them they were no longer able to pay for feed for their flocks. (Adobe Stock)

WI farmers regroup after massive 'chicken giveaway' on Facebook

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified the name of the poultry producer. (9:55 a.m. MDT, Oct. 28, 2924) Some …

The LeRay McAllister Fund was created to safeguard Utah's agricultural landscapes and economy, according to the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food. (Adobe Stock)

Conservation easements in UT protect 5,500 acres of farm land

Utah's leaders are taking steps to protect the state's shrinking agricultural land by issuing conservation easements. The move will limit non-…

Critics of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations said the manure from sites is often kept in open-air lagoons, where it is stored until it is sprayed to fertilize farm fields. Any excess manure not soaked up by crops or grasses ends up in aquifers and waterways. (Adobe Stock)

Legal case highlights concern factory farms get a free pass from EPA

By Nina Elkadi for Sentient.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Wisconsin News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboration …

Nearly 67,000 schools participate in Farm-to-School programs through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. (Monkey Business/Adobe Stock)

Ohio schools bring local farms to lunch trays with USDA funding

This October, Ohio schools are celebrating National Farm to School Month by serving local produce in their meals. The U.S. Department of Agriculture …

Researchers at the World Resources Institute said the average American can cut their environmental footprint in half by reducing dairy and meat consumption. (Molly Condit/Sinergia Animal/We Animals)

Congressional briefing promotes dairy digesters to curb methane emissions

By Dawn Attride for Sentient.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaborat…

According to the American Sheep Industry Association, as of January 2024, there are 5 million sheep in the U.S. Illinois ranks 27th in the nation for sheep production. (Adobe Stock)

IL sheep farmer embraces land for solar use

By Kari Lydersen for Energy News Network.Broadcast version by Terri Dee for Illinois News Connection reporting for the Energy News Network-Public News…

North Carolina's agricultural business employs more than 100,000 farmers in poultry. (Adobe Stock)

How a NC farmer's shift to sustainable practices could guide others out of debt

By Dawn Attride for Sentient.Broadcast version by Shanteya Hudson for North Carolina News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Colla…

More than 55% of agricultural lands in South Dakota, or 24 million acres, are dedicated to animal production, according to the Governor's Office of Economic Development. (Adobe Stock)

Sustainable meat industries could use boost from billionaires

Since 1964, per capita meat consumption has doubled and environmental advocates cautioned it is unsustainable. And there are more billionaires…

According to the USDA, there are 2,850 slaughterhouses in the U.S., not including facilities slaughtering poultry. (Adobe Stock)

Milwaukee group vigilant about WI slaughterhouse projects

By Grace Hussain for Sentient.Broadcast version by Judith Ruiz-Branch for Wisconsin News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Col…

The Hazleton Area School District received a grant for more than $99,000 to implement a sustainable agriculture program in its career center, providing local, nutritious food to students and addressing health disparities in its community. (Adobe Stock)

Program builds bridge between PA's local farms, school cafeterias

Schools in Pennsylvania are recognizing October's National Farm to School Month by serving local produce in their meals. The U.S. Department of …

For fiscal year 2024, the Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program is giving out a record $14.3 million in funding. (Adobe Stock)

Program helps kids learn more about farming in AL

Across Alabama, programs are helping kids learn more about farming and nutrition with the help of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The USDA is …

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Rural/Farming

Farmers, aquaculturists unite to protect Florida's land, water

Are monarchs 'threatened enough?' Government soon decides

Few animal welfare laws lead to misery in factory farms

IL food banks to receive USDA funding to address low food inventory

Activist: Dairy may not be best way to get your calcium

USDA's 'Climate-Smart' efforts raise questions on transparency, impact

USDA grant helps stock IN food pantries

Research: Probiotics on farms could fight antibiotic resistance

ACLU: Mass deportations would be setback for AR economy

Montanans can help keep monarch butterflies off the endangered list

From Ohio to Azerbaijan: How COP29 could shape local farming

MA farmers, families brace for cuts to fresh produce benefits

Group blames corporate greed for MT food price gouging

KY farmers should think twice about using ‘biosludge’ as fertilizer

Hunger Free Colorado celebrates 15th birthday

Putting farm fields under a green blanket with climate friendly fertilizer

WI makes innovative strides, but lags in EV adoption

AR nonprofit works to protect Buffalo National River from contamination

More Iowa farmers support gestation crate ban

Eminent domain reform could follow ousted SD pipeline law

What Coloradans can expect on holiday groceries, and tips for saving money

Shareholders step up to shape climate goals in corporate world

Environmental groups buck grazing expansion in MT's Custer Gallatin

Creating virtual power plants for resiliency during extreme weather, wildfires

Hungry goats help restore native Iowa habitat

SD PSA on grasslands wins regional Emmy award

As FSA loan changes aim to support farmers, advocates say more needed

Successful ballot question in MN seen as way for more climate-friendly farming

Montana's agriculture industry becomes more consolidated

Denver could become first city to ban slaughterhouses

EPA bans weedkiller Dacthal, used on WV farms

What would Project 2025 mean for WI farmers?

Ethanol companies back SD pipeline ballot question with big bucks

Kewaunee County residents take legal action against dairy CAFO

Leaders fear GOP 2025 plans would harm people in rural Michigan

Debunking the horror: Tennessee bats essential to ecosystem, economy

Ancient technique used to fight west TX wildfires

WI farmers regroup after massive 'chicken giveaway' on Facebook

Conservation easements in UT protect 5,500 acres of farm land

Legal case highlights concern factory farms get a free pass from EPA

Ohio schools bring local farms to lunch trays with USDA funding

Congressional briefing promotes dairy digesters to curb methane emissions

IL sheep farmer embraces land for solar use

How a NC farmer's shift to sustainable practices could guide others out of debt

Sustainable meat industries could use boost from billionaires

Milwaukee group vigilant about WI slaughterhouse projects

Program builds bridge between PA's local farms, school cafeterias

Program helps kids learn more about farming in AL